A Whistling Noise From an LG Washer

The LG family of washing machines offers load capacities that range from 3.5 to 4.5 cubic feet. Of the 24 models of LG washing machines available as of 2011, 20 models are front loaders while four models are top-loading units.

An LG washing machine makes a variety of noises while it is operating, but there may be a whistling or high-pitched whirring noise that consumers have questions about.

Types of Sounds

When an LG washing machine is operating, you will hear the sound of water rushing as the machine brings it into the basin and the sound of a motor spinning that indicates that the spin cycle is in operation. A whistling or high-pitched whirring noise can occur at several points during the wash cycle and can be the result of normal operation or an indication that the washer needs attention.

New Parts

When you start to use your LG washer for the first time, you will sometimes hear high-pitched squeaking or whistling noises during the spin cycle. In some cases, these are the normal sounds of the new parts of your washer operating as a system for the first time. The whistling sound should stop after the first six loads. If the whistling persists, you will need to contact an authorized service technician.

Spin Bearing

On an LG washer, the spin bearing is the mechanism that causes the wash basin to spin during the spin cycles. Over time, the grease that allows the spin bearing to operate quietly gets washed away by the water and detergent that pass through the washing machine. The result is a whistling noise when the wash basin spins. Contact a certified repair technician to inspect the spin bearing and determine if it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Scraping Metal

A high-pitched whistling noise can occur if a piece of metal protrudes through one of the holes in the inner tub and scrapes on the inside of the outer wash basin. The tub in your LG washer spins inside of a metal wash basin that is separated by a space of less than 1/2-inch. The tab from a belt buckle or the metal underwire from a bra can protrude through the openings in the inner basin and scrape against the outer basin, causing a scraping noise that becomes a whistling noise as the inner tub goes into the spin cycle.

The Drip Cap

The LG family of washing machines offers load capacities that range from 3.5 to 4.5 cubic feet.
Of the 24 models of LG washing machines available as of 2011, 20 models are front loaders while four models are top-loading units.
If the whistling persists, you will need to contact an authorized service technician.
The tab from a belt buckle or the metal underwire from a bra can protrude through the openings in the inner basin and scrape against the outer basin, causing a scraping noise that becomes a whistling noise as the inner tub goes into the spin cycle.